Koran does allow blood donation: Luminaries

Dispelling the myths about blood donation in the Islamic community, Muslim leaders on Monday said that as per the Shariat, Muslims are allowed to donate blood in times of emergency. They appealed to the community to donate blood and do good work for the society.

At an event on Monday, organised for the World Blood Donation Day on Tuesday, about 50 people gathered to understand blood donation in the context of teachings of Koran and Shariat.

“Among uneducated Muslims, there is a belief that Koran does not allow blood donation. There are two verses in the Koran and the Hadith indicating that organ donation is disallowed except in most necessary condition. But I have noticed that Muslims still tend to dither when it comes to donating blood,” said Dr Malih Siddiqui, consulting physician, Kohinoor hospital.

Dr Siddiqui explained that the fundamental principle of Islamic law explains that necessity makes the prohibited lawful. “If a person is dying of thirst, he can drink alcohol as much as it is required for him to be alive,” he said.

Mohammed Zakaria, the Qazi of madrassa at Haroon compound, Kurla said, “We will encourage people to donate blood. It is a misconception that the Shariat does not allow blood donation.” People in the gathering had doubts about why the blood is “sold” later. They were explained that the testing and storage fees are charged to the patient and not the blood itself.